Well, If We Can Pull It Off
Michael shrugged.
"Well, if we can manage it. There are a lot of competitors, but I didn't think they'd hang themselves over it."
A rookie throwing 99-mph fastballs was certainly an attractive scouting target. That meant plenty of competition, no doubt. But beyond Oakland, there would be quite a few teams eager to sign Lee Soo-min. Over the past three years, he'd dominated Korean high school baseball. Especially recently, he'd notched a perfect game—a monumental record. Needless to say, even in high school leagues, perfect games were rare gems.
A lefty fireballer with S-grade stuff that anyone would covet. He was undoubtedly a standout rookie, even in America's amateur baseball scene overflowing with top prospects.
But digging deeper, Lee Soo-min was a pitcher riddled with uncertainties. First off, Jeju High revolved entirely around him—a one-man team. As their ace carrying the squad, he'd inevitably been overworked. Plenty of Asian rookies chasing the American Dream had thrown too many pitches in high school, wrecking their arms and crumbling in the minors. Language barriers and homesickness played a role too, of course.
In Roy Yoo's case, since he'd played baseball in the US from the start, Oakland figured there'd be no issues beyond his injury history.
Second was the signing bonus. A talent like Lee Soo-min could command over 1 billion won from a KBO team. Factoring that in, a major league club would need at least $1.5 million to lure him.
Third, he didn't have any standout secondary pitches beyond his four-seam fastball. Changeups were essential for modern pitchers. Sure, dominating with just fastballs for three years proved his velocity was elite, but a clear gulf existed between amateur and pro levels. Even if he picked up breaking stuff quickly, mastering it would take time.
Given these hurdles, while plenty of teams showed interest in signing him, few were expected to push aggressively—that was the current consensus in the US media.
But if they're asking me about Lee Soo-min specifically, they must be pretty interested.
Roy Yoo murmured inwardly before speaking up. "Don't you hate players with so many red flags, GM?"
"I do. Normally, I wouldn't even glance their way."
Roy Yoo shot Michael a puzzled look as the GM clicked his tongue.
"Then why go after him?"
"Our owner got a kick out of you and now he's head over heels for this kid, right?" Michael rattled the papers in his hand. Roy Yoo let out a hollow chuckle at the sight, then asked, "LA Robins are in the mix too, aren't they?"
"Seems like it. How'd you know?"
The media hadn't named specific teams pursuing Lee Soo-min yet. Michael, piecing together intel from everywhere, knew the Robins were showing serious interest—unreported stuff. He was curious how Roy Yoo had figured it out.
In his pre-regression life, Lee Soo-min had ended up with the National League's LA Robins.
"Just a hunch. But signing him will be tough."
"Why?" Michael's face creased in confusion.
He'd avoided mentioning bonuses to spare Roy Yoo's feelings—Oakland had budgeted up to $2 million with the owner's full backing. After all, Roy had signed for $1 million; it might sting. But now...
"Because of the LA Robins."
From memory, Lee Soo-min had inked a $2.5 million deal with them. No way Oakland would match that, aggressive as they were.
"Hmm." Michael frowned, puzzled.
Truth be told, he didn't care much either way. The push for Lee Soo-min came from the owner footing the bill. Michael would've preferred padding the payroll instead. If he'd known, like Roy Yoo, that Lee Soo-min would conquer MLB down the line, he'd have gone all-in without hesitation. But that was the future. Michael was a sharp GM, but no prophet. Only Roy Yoo, who'd lived it, knew.
"Anyway, let's drop Lee for now. Sorry for eating into your lunch break."
"No worries."
Michael rose, chatted lightly with the remaining players in the clubhouse, and headed out.
Two days later, on Friday, August 3rd, news broke: Lee Soo-min signs with LA Robins for a $2.5 million bonus.
***
August 4th, Saturday—Roy Yoo's second MLB start since call-up, against AL West foe LA Halos at their home park. He delivered 5 innings, 3 runs allowed—a solid outing. Unlike Boston, where the lineup provided ample support, the offense managed just 2 runs during his stint. Both teams blanked after, handing him his first loss of the season.
After watching the first two starts, Manager Trevor decided to slot Roy Yoo into the official rotation.
[Pitchers]
1st Starter: Gabe Gabriel
2nd Starter: Mark Bean
3rd Starter: Jimmy Derren
4th Starter: Burnett Liriano
5th Starter: Roy Yoo
Trevor stroked his chin, eyeing the rotation.
Gabe's a league-top ace—no worries there... Mark as number two...
Mark Bean filled the void left by Grayson Welston, who bolted as a free agent last stove season. The 1-2 punch should rival the ace, and Mark was solid: great innings-eater, 3.76 ERA. But for a true number two? A bit short. Still, expecting more from a former third starter was greedy.
Jimmy Derren and Burnett Liriano lacked punch for 3-4 too. Oakland had no other starters ready—Roy Yoo was it. With him locking down fifth, the rotation took shape.
If we can just hold on through this month...
Long relief or setup suited Roy Yoo better for him and the team. But no viable starters otherwise. Burnett's fourth spot was shaky; really, they'd been running a 3.5-man system.
Can't burden the bullpen more. Somehow grit out the month.
His real hope: September roster expansion. Last lifeline.
***
August 20th, Monday. Home game vs. Seattle.
Oakland's starter: fifth man Roy Yoo. Seattle sat fourth in the division, 5 games back of second-place Oakland—irrelevant for wild card. Weaker overall, bottom-tier offense. Easier matchup than Boston or Texas slugfests.
Post-morning workout and shower, Roy Yoo changed into street clothes amid clubhouse banter.
Second starter Mark, lounging nearby, spotted him. "Hey, Roy. No girlfriend, right?"
"Nope."
"Wanna try a blind date?"
"Blind date?" Roy Yoo furrowed his brow.
Mark nodded. "My girlfriend's friend wants an intro to you."
"Not really looking to date."
"Why? She's hot." Heads turned at that. Roy Yoo smirked, watching.
"Not about looks—life's too chaotic right now."
Fresh to the majors, holding rotation spot without demotion was challenge enough.
Mark tilted his head, then nodded. No point forcing it.
"Hey, Mark, got a pic?"
"What about me?"
Other hyenas swarmed instead. Mark's girl was a knockout; her friend sparked hype.
Mark flashed phone pics; whistles and oohs followed. Roy Yoo chuckled, shook his head, and slipped out.
Grab lunch at a spot near the stadium...?
Outside, pondering eats—
Tap tap.
Someone patted his back. Roy Yoo turned, puzzled. Autograph hounds were routine now, but direct contact? New.
He looked—and froze at the sunglasses-wearing woman.
She met his eyes, smiled softly, and waved. "Hey, long time no see."
Lena, from Hawaii.